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High-volume evacuator (HVE) tip
Also called: HVE, high-volume suction, big suction, oral evacuator
A wide suction tip that removes water, debris and spray from the mouth.
The HVE is the large suction the assistant holds. It pulls out water, debris and aerosols (fine spray) from handpieces and ultrasonic scalers. The tip is beveled (cut at an angle); keep the bevel parallel to the tooth surface and place it before the handpiece starts. See the machines section for the vacuum system.
How to spot it
- A wide tube, much wider than a saliva ejector, with an angled, beveled opening.
- HVE vs. saliva ejector: HVE is wide and held by the assistant; a saliva ejector is a thin bendable tube that hangs in the mouth.
What it is used for
- Used during all handpiece and ultrasonic work, and to retract the cheek or tongue.
- Hold it as close as possible without pressing on soft tissue.
Safety and care
- Single-use (disposable) item: use it on one patient, then throw it away. Never clean and reuse it. (Reusable metal tips are cleaned and heat-sterilized.)
- Run water through the line at the end of each patient per office protocol.
Related
Sources: Hu-Friedy Group. Aerosol Management and HVE Best Practices, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)